Rudy, Walter (1954-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jan 22 p. 3

Birth date: 1954

text of obituary:

Father and Three Children Killed In Ontario R. R. Crossing Accident

SERVICES FOR HOWARD RUDY AND CHILDREN HELD AT WANNER CHURCH

By C. J. Rempel

Kitchener, Ont. — One of the most tragic accidents ever to occur in this area befell the Howard Rudy family of Breslau, Ontario when the father and his three children were instantly killed at a level crossing accident about a mile from their farm.

Mrs. Irma Rudy had the supper table set for five and was wondering what was delaying her family from coming for supper when she received the shattering news that the crash had claimed the lives of her husband and all three children.

Howard Rudy, father of the three children, took his light pickup truck in order to drive to the country school to call for his daughters, Nancy, 10, and Phyllis, 6. He had taken along his son Walter, age 5, for the ride. They were on their way home when the tragic accident occurred.

It appeared that the truck stalled on the track at the level crossing at a more or less concealed intersection about one-half mile from their farm. Before the conductor of the C.N.R. train could bring the train to a halt, it hit the truck on the passenger side, instantly killing all occupants. The truth was pushed along the racks past the home farm before coming to a halt.

Mrs. Irma Rudy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Lichti of Waterloo, Ontario, had heard a crash but did not realize what it meant. She then heard of an accident involving a truck but the description of the truck did not correspond with that of her husband. She became concerned, however, when he did not return and was then told by the Chief of Police of the tragedy which had befallen her.

The Rudy family were members of the Wanner Mennonite Church near Hespeler, where the pastor is Rev. Merle Shantz. Mr. Rudy was active in church work and the loss will be felt in the church life. The funeral was held Saturday, Jan. 10, 1959.